Introducing the New Statistics in the Classroom

The new statistics, which include estimations of effect size and confidence intervals, are currently being emphasized as a complement to null hypothesis statistical testing (NHST). However, introducing the new statistics to accompany NHST in the classroom has been a gradual process. This slow change may be the result of instructors not knowing how to begin teaching the new statistics in the classroom or a fear that changing their courses may be difficult. In this teacher-ready theory review, we begin by providing a brief overview of NHST and the problems associated with it; we then explain the new statistics and their advantages. We also offer two steps to help introduce the new statistics in the classroom that make calculating, interpreting, and discussing them easier for both instructors and students alike. We conclude with a discussion of resources that can provide more education regarding the news statistics and assist instructors with preparing their introductory statistics courses.